Pak province reverses ban on musical concerts

Lahore: The Assembly of Pakistan`s Punjab province has reversed its stance on seeking a ban on musical concerts in educational institutions following intense pressure from the media, artistes and the youth.

Two days after the Assembly passed a resolution seeking a ban on "objectionable music concerts" in all public and private educational institutions in the province of 90 million, lawmakers yesterday adopted another resolution that endorsed cultural events involving the youths.

The resolution seeking a ban on musical concerts was moved on January 24 in reaction to the death of three students due to a stampede at a musical show recently organised by the Punjab College at Alhamra Cultural Complex in Lahore.

Singer Atif Aslam had performed at the show. After the resolution seeking ban on concerts was passed, students of several colleges in Lahore passed resolutions condemning the actions of the lawmakers.

The media too criticised the move by the legislators. Yesterday, Leader of Opposition Raja Riaz, a senior member of the Pakistan People`s Party, moved another resolution that read, "The House is of the considered opinion that there shall be no ban on any extra-curricular activities, including cultural, national and literary activities, in all public and private-run educational institutions."

Maulana Ilyas Chinioti of the PML-N opposed the resolution, arguing that immoral activities should not be allowed in the name of culture and arts.

He walked out of the House when Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal put the resolution to vote. The House adopted the resolution unanimously.